pesto lentil pasta with veggies

The last two times our family has gone to disneyland, we have eaten at the newly redone blue bayou. The restaurant located inside pirates of the caribbean.

For a while there, the restaurant was hit or miss. And then a lot of miss.

But this last revision has been nothing less than amazing. It’s the whole families favorite and must eat at.

Side note, on our last visit, the ride broke down and all the interior lights were turned on and we got a whole new look at the ride. But I digress, we’re here for the food, right?

So, the first time we went back, I ordered this delectable sounding fava bean and pistachio pesto pasta. since beans aren’t necessarily my fav; I asked for no beans. Our favorite waiter, Tim, told us that the beans were the pasta; making it plant based. Intrigued, I went for it. And boy am I glad I did. It was delicious.

And I have been obsessing about it ever since. So much so that I had to order again the next time.

And then I needed to figure out my own version. So I can eat it on the regular.

Ingredients:

8oz green lentil rotini pasta, cooked according to directions

1/2 cup cooked pasta water, reserved

2 Tbsp evoo

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup baby arugula

1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups frenched green beans

1 cup pesto (can use store bought if prefer)

3 cups packed basil leaves

1/2 cup, grated parmesan reggiano cheese

3 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup pistachio nuts

pinch of salt

pinch of white pepper

1/2 cup evoo

Add all ingredients, except evoo, to a blender. Pulse a few times to break down.

Turn blender to low, and slowly start drizzling evoo into other ingredients. Continue until evoo is fully

incorporated. Turn speed up until all ingredients are fully combined and pureed.

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat.

Add onions to the pan, and sauté until slightly softened.

Add tomatoes and green beans. Sauté 5 minutes.

Add pasta, pasta water, arugula, and pesto. Stir to combine.

Turn heat to low and let simmer 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.